Soil Type: AcidicEricaceous: Requires a neutral or acid soil (or ericaceous compost), with a pH of 7 or belowSoil Moisture: Moist, but well drained

An elegant maple that is one of the best for autumn colour. It can be grown as a small spreading tree or multi-stemmed shrub and is brilliant for adding achitectural interest. Before the leaves emerge in spring it produces small clusters of purple-red flowers which are quite pretty up close but don't make much of an impact from a distance. The mid green deeply cut foliage has a fern-like appearance and will turn spectacular shades of red and orange in autumn - especially when grown in partial shade. A super plant that has been awarded the coveted Award of Garden Merit by the RHS.

Garden Care: Add a top-dressing of organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn. No routine pruning is required, just remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. As the leaves may scorch in full sun on a summers day try to plant it so it gets some protection during the hottest part of the day and shelter from cold winds.